Sovereign immunity at sea under UNCLOS protects warships and government vessels from foreign jurisdiction. This guide explains the doctrine’s boundaries across maritime zones, clarifies which enforcement actions are legally prohibited, and highlights ITLOS rulings that shape defensible operational practice.
Sovereign Immunity at Sea Under UNCLOS: Meaning, Boundaries, and Operational Use Read More »
A concise operational primer on EEZ legal constraints under UNCLOS. Explains the treaty duty of due regard, Charter‑consistent peaceful‑use limits, relevant safety conventions, and practical steps commanders can take to reduce legal and escalation risk.
The 2016 South China Sea Arbitral Tribunal Award remains a landmark in maritime law. It clarified the limits of historic claims, defined the legal status of maritime features, affirmed sovereign rights within EEZs, and underscored States’ obligations to protect the marine environment under UNCLOS.
The 2016 South China Sea Arbitral Award: Clarifying the Legal Limits of Maritime Claims Read More »
UNCLOS Article 98 requires masters and States to render assistance to persons in distress at sea, subject to safety and what may reasonably be expected. This post outlines the legal duty, operational instruments (SOLAS, SAR, IMO), and real world cases that show why coordinated State action is essential to complete rescues.
Rescue Is Not Optional: The Duty to Render Assistance Under UNCLOS Read More »
The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) organizes maritime space by defining authority, rights, and responsibilities at sea. From baselines and territorial sovereignty to navigation regimes, EEZ rights, and environmental protection, UNCLOS provides the framework that balances coastal State control with shared freedoms on the world’s oceans.
The Basic Principles of the Law of the Sea Convention (UNCLOS) Read More »
The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) is the global rulebook for the oceans. From territorial seas and exclusive economic zones to dispute resolution and freedom of navigation, UNCLOS defines who can act, where, and under what authority — keeping the seas orderly, stable, and governed by law rather than power.
